Sim Lab: Silence Can Be Golden in Microsoft Flight Simulator

Futuristic Joby S4 eVTOL is a must-fly aircraft in MSFS2024.

Sean Siff

Friday, September 18, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The inceptors are the primary inputs for the digital fly-by-wire flight control system. [Credit: Sean Siff/MSFS2024]

Key Takeaways:

The author's initial skepticism about eVTOLs was overcome after simulating the Joby S4 in *Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024*, finding it a stable and intuitive aircraft that blends helicopter-like hovering with airplane-like cruising capabilities.
The S4 features a futuristic and simplified cockpit, utilizing two "inceptors" and a digital fly-by-wire system that replaces traditional controls for an approachable and modern flying experience.
The aircraft offers versatile flight performance, seamlessly transitioning between stable vertical takeoff/landing/hovering and efficient forward cruise at speeds up to 170 knots, providing operational flexibility.

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If you’ve had concerns about electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, I’ll admit that I have too. Especially since we will soon be sharing the taxiways and airways with this new class of aircraft in the not-too-distant future.

However, after recently spending a few hours with the Joby Aviation S4 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS2024), it turns out that my preconceived notions about eVTOLs were mistaken. Flying the S4 completely changed my mind, and I plan on rotating the S4 into my regular sim flight missions on MSFS2024.